Who is AKIRA TORIYAMA?

Akira Toriyama, born on April 5, 1955 in Nagoya, Japan, is one of the most influential manga creators and character designers the world has ever seen. He is best known for legendary works such as Dr. Slump, Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, and Dragon Ball Super. But his creativity doesn't stop there: he has also left a huge mark on the video game industry, designing characters for iconic titles such as Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, and Blue Dragon. Thanks to his incredible talent, Toriyama is considered a pioneer in the world of manga, inspiring countless artists with his unforgettable stories and designs.

Biography

Before diving into the world of manga, Toriyama worked in advertising at a company in Nagoya. But the rigid environment, where ties were mandatory and relationships with bosses were strained, didn't suit him. After three years, he decided to quit and pursue his passion for art and storytelling.

In 1978, Toriyama got his big break when Wonder Island, one of his earliest works, was published in Shonen Jump. At the time, it wasn’t a huge success, but it opened the door to bigger opportunities. Soon after, tales like Tomato (a precursor to Dr. Slump) and Today’s Highlight Island began to gain traction.

It wasn’t until Dr. Slump that Toriyama became a household name. The series was a huge success, showcasing his humor, creativity, and unique drawing style. However, it was Dragon Ball, the story of Goku and his epic adventures, that catapulted him to worldwide fame. What began as a simple, lighthearted tale became an international phenomenon, captivating readers and viewers of all generations.

Life behind the scenes
Despite his fame, Toriyama has always preferred to live a quiet, private life. He resides in Aichi, Japan, with his wife Yoshimi Kato, a former manga artist. The couple married in 1982 and have two children: Sasuke, born in 1987, and Kikka, born in 1990.

Interestingly, Toriyama avoids the spotlight as much as he can. It's rare to see him in interviews or public appearances, and photos of him are few and far between. He's even been known to cause a bit of chaos when he visits Tokyo, as rumors of his presence can draw massive crowds of devoted fans.

Work

Toriyama's journey wouldn't have been the same without Kazuhiko Torishima, the editor who believed in his work from the beginning. After noticing Toriyama's talent in stories like Awawa World and Mysterious Rain Jack (a Star Wars parody), Torishima encouraged him to create more. This encouragement led to Toriyama's debut and eventually rise to stardom.

Over the years, Toriyama has given us unforgettable characters, heartwarming stories, and epic adventures. From the quirky humor of Dr. Slump to the intense battles of Dragon Ball, his work continues to inspire new generations of fans and artists. Even now, Toriyama’s legacy remains as strong as ever and his creations live on as timeless classics loved around the world.

Animes and mangas

• Dr. Slump
• Dragon ball
• Dragon ball z
• Dragon ball super
• Awawa World, 1977.
• Mysterious Rain Jack, 1977.
• Wonder Island, 1978.
• Wonder Island 2, 1979.
• Aquí la isla Highlight, 1979.
• Una chica detective: Tomato, 1979.
• Mad Matic, 1982.
• Escape, 1982.
• Pink, the rain Jack story, 1982.
• Karamaru, 1989.
• Las Aventuras de Tongpoo, 1983.
• Mr. Ho, 1986.
• Lady Red, 1987.
• Señorito Kennosuke, 1987.
• Sonchoh, 1988.
• Mamejiro, 1988.
• Tahi Mahi, 1998.
• Dragon Ball Fusions: ¡el Manga!, 2016-2018.
• Despo Figther Z, 2018-2020. Among others.